Mock Exam Qs

Question 1

Explain ‘arms race’ between host and parasite (5)

Answer 1

• Arms race = coevolution between host and parasite to outcompete each other.
• Benefits host by adapting defence against parasite
• Benefits parasite by adapting to invade host better
• Example = Brood parasitism in Cuckoos vs blackbirds as hosts
• Evolution allows the pattern because it favours the traits that maximise fitness of a species

Question 2

Name one advantage of group living

Answer 2

Any from:

• Info sharing
• Foraging Efficiency
• Predator Defence
• Breeding
• Parental care (i.e: creches)

Question 3

Name one disadvantage of group living

Answer 3

Any from:

• Parasite/ disease transmission
• Competition
• Inbreeding
• Stress
• More obvious to predators

Question 4

Name 3 animals that live in groups

Answer 4

Any:
Lions
Mexican Free-Tailed bats
Wolves
Zebras
Mole rats
African Elephants

Question 5

What kind of social structure do African elephants have?

Answer 5

Matriarchy

Question 6

What is phenotypic plasticity?

Answer 6

the ability of a genotype to give a range of phenotypic expressions under different environmental conditions.

Question 7

Give a behavioural example of phenotypic plasticity

Answer 7

ALTERNATIVE MATING STRATEGIES

Male Horned Beetles

• Nutrition affects body size
• More nutrients = bigger horns in males
• Long horns = mate-guarding behaviour
• Small/ no horns = adopt sneaking strategy (dig tunnel to intercept female tunnel without begin noticed)

Both strategies = effective

Question 8

Define Evolutionary Stable Strategy (ESS)

Answer 8

the ‘best’ behaviour in a given situation that a species can possibly, or to date have possibly, evolve. ESS cannot be bettered by an alternate strategy.

Question 9

Name 5 functions of different signals in animal communication

Answer 9

• To provide information about mating potential and quality
• To support strength/fighting ability
• To warn of poison/toxicity
• To share resource information
• To warn of predators/competitors